Home grown follow focus and grip...

[cuddlington]

Hello. New to the DVX100, just sold PD150, but learning fast. Got Barry's book, look forward to reading and taking it all in. I have come up with a very cheap and effective follow focus mech.
Made out of a model helicopter tailrotor unit plus the belt drive parts. Most of us know someone who flies these things and most of them crash in the early days of learning, it's these crashed unit that can supply the parts required for free! Here are some pictures.

http://www.channelislanddigital.com/dvx100a_page.html

So far the mods have cost about $45! As for the wood hand grip, cost so far is $10 for the wood, switch and plug ( Radio Shack in the States ) . All the materials like the aluminium can be found as of cuts at machine shops etc. The white plastic can be found at sign shops. Hope this information is of some use.

 

[dmbdvx]

Very nice work... I wish I had that talent!

Sounds like you were / are a RCer... as myself.
Unlike you I never saw a follow focus when I was flying my Hirobo 60.
Your project looks great!
Package it and sell it for a couple hundred dollars ?

 

[cuddlington]

Thanks! I don't consider myself to be that tec minded to be honest, if you can build a RC chopper you could build this unit no problem. All you need to to do is file blocks of aluminium for ages and drill some holes!
But it's worth it when you see the prices of the commercial units.

http://www.channelislanddigital.com/castaways_main_p.html

 

[gkumar]

do you use the grip for hand held? Is the cam balanced well on that?

and what is that red button do on the grip

 

[330ceo]

Damn! A wood grain grip. Ill.

 

[dakotapod]

Groovy - Some detail on that follow focus would be snap!

 

[setarcos]

So far the mods have cost about $45! As for the wood hand grip, cost so far is $10 for the wood, switch and plug ( Radio Shack in the States ) . All the materials like the aluminium can be found as of cuts at machine shops etc. The white plastic can be found at sign shops. Hope this information is of some use.

Your work is not only useful but also beautiful. Very well done. However, the cost info is misleading (imo). I think you added XX hours of work @0.0/hour. Not the case in real life. You must have some bills to pay... don't you? Materials are cheap indeed but the time/talent/knowledge to turn them into something specific to do a certain job comes at a price... In any event, at least you did not pay anyone to do it for you and have the satisfaction you did it and it works well. Bravo!http://www.dvxuser.com/V3/images/smilies/thumbsup.gif
:thumbsup:

 

[cuddlington]

reply to your posts..

reply to your posts..

Hello guys sorry i haven't replyed to your questions as of late, but I have not looked at the forum for a while. I have been busy with " The Castaways " a super 8mm project.

http://www.channelislanddigital.com/news_and_stuff.html

In order, yes the camera is well balanced. The materials were free, everything is free if you think hard enough about where you may find what you need. The red button is for record/ pause remote.
Yes the cost info is not all there however I see no point in adding hourly rates to a job i am doing for myself and that i enjoy. If it helps It took one day in total to do the grip and the same for the focus. Happy Christmas you crazy bunch!

 

[dakotapod]

Any chance you can post some detailed photos & how to of the follow focus in the DIY section? When time permits naturally.

 

[cuddlington]

details

details

If you can find a " Morley " 1980's model helicopter, perhaps on ebay, then you're half way there. Then all you need is a small block of aluminium, a plate ( aluminium ) and some 5mm white acrylic ( sign shop ). Get some small screws and nuts, a drill and put it together however well your ability allows. If you can build a RC car/plane then you can build this. If the RC car/plane is beyond your ability then this project will also be.:laugh:

 

[J.R. Hudson]

I'm impressed.

And you'll build one for me for how much?

 

[Filmjunkie677]

I'm impressed.

And you'll build one for me for how much?

Seconded. Great mods.

 

[xl70e3]

Woah, have you guys seen his other stuff? Dolly, crane etc.

Great job, cuddlington!

 

[dakotapod]

you can build this. If the RC car/plane is beyond your ability then this project will also be.

I can build and am handy with the tools - Just need pics to see what I'm building - Thanks



Will look into the motor - Thanks!
:thumbsup:

 

[cuddlington]

build one

build one

No I will not build one for you, you cheeky monkey . Well, not right now anyway, someone mail me through the site over Christmas and I will put more pics+ info of the project so it's more clear how to knock it together. best Regards. Me.

 

[J.R. Hudson]

Cheeky Monkey.

LOL

'Mail you through the site over XMAS?'

Since we have all asked already in this thread if you could provide more pics.... consider it sent.

Dakota? Make me one Maaannnn!

 

[dakotapod]

Tell ya what - Get some photos and the parts [for two] and it's done!

 

[limehouse]

Another vote for more pics. That thing is awesome. Too bad I don't know anyone who flies RC aircrafts.

Pretty cool trailers on your site.

 

[cuddlington]

more pics

more pics

Here is a link to some more pictures of the follow focus gizmo.

http://www.channelislanddigital.com/dvx_follow_focus.html

Hope they are of some help.

 

[j]

Thanks for posting those pics, nice job, looks pro.

-j